Mapping the Psyche

An Introduction to Psychological Astrology, by Clare Martin

Capricorn

Cardinal Earth

Ruler: Saturn

Exaltation: Mars

Detriment: Moon

Fall: Jupiter

The sign of Capricorn begins at the winter solstice,
the darkest time of the year. Capricorn understands the importance
of the annual cycles and, as ruler of the coldest, darkest time of
the year, is well aware of the necessity for stripping things back
to their bare bones, cutting down and pruning, in order that they can
grow stronger in the next season. Capricorn is the most mature of the
earth signs and, as a cardinal earth sign, is goal oriented, ambitious
and effective, with a strong sense of discipline and structure and
the ability to plan ahead and wait for the right moment. Self-sufficient,
and hardy, the mountain goat is an excellent symbol for this sign.

For Capricorn, time is the yardstick by which everything
is measured. There is an ability to prepare, and to plan strategically,
to accept responsibility and an ability to wait patiently for the fruit
which will be the result of one's labours, with the knowledge that
we will only reap what we have previously sown. For Capricorn, nothing
is given for nothing and all things come to those that wait. Capricorn
rules the body's structure and boundaries, the bones, skeleton and
skin, as well as the knees, which are an interesting symbol of our
flexibility and of our ability to 'bend the knee' to a higher authority.
Deeply conservative, ambitious and cautious, this Saturn-ruled sign
has the determination and patience to take the hard and lonely road
to the top, knowing that what it achieves has been hard won and truly
deserved and can never be taken away.

The challenge for Capricorn is to integrate the determination
and strength of the Saturn ruler and Mars exaltation with the gentle 'husbandry' of
the opposite sign of Cancer and the caring nature of the Moon, in the
knowledge that self-discipline and patience will eventually bring things
to their fruition. The positive integration of Jupiter in the sign
of Capricorn indicates that, as in the case of many spiritual disciplines
such as Tibetan Buddhism, for example, hard work and self-discipline
are well recognised paths of faith and dedication to a higher wisdom.
Joy and satisfaction for Capricorn comes from knowing that they have
conquered all obstacles and achieved their goals in spite of everything,
and without having to depend on anything or anybody else.

Planets in Capricorn

David has the Moon in Capricorn, which is traditionally
in its detriment here. With strong emotional (Moon) defences (Capricorn),
Moon in Capricorn is self-sufficient (Capricorn) and may also need
plenty of solitude (Capricorn). People with this placement are often
more comfortable looking after others than being looked after themselves.
It can describe a traditional (Capricorn) family (Moon), an older or
professional (Capricorn) mother (Moon). Certainly this sign is not
emotionally effusive or indulgent, and the early experience of mothering
will reinforce this. There is often a preference for cold, dry food
(Moon) which will be eaten slowly (Capricorn).

Audience: I have Venus in Capricorn.

Clare: Venus describes what we value, so I would suggest that
you are likely to value (Venus) solitude (Capricorn), your social status
and career (Capricorn), and perhaps your relationships (Venus) are
chosen carefully (Capricorn). Venus in Capricorn values tradition and
history and good quality - anything which has stood the test of time.
These are the things which are likely to make you feel happy.

"Mapping the Psyche" by Clare Martin is a transcript of the first term
of an introductory course in astrology given for the Centre
for Psychological Astrology. In this first of three volumes,
the basic building blocks of astrological language are presented.
The reader is taken on a fascinating journey through the solar
system, the ancient planetary gods, and the energies and motivations
s ymbolised by their astrological equivalents; and then through
the signs of the zodiac, their elements and qualities, and the
ways in which different planets express through them. Alchemical
symbolism is included as a parallel map of the individual journey.
The book is well-illustrated, and is worthwhile reading for both
the beginner as well as the more advanced astrological student.

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